Learn How Distributed Regeneration Rebates Can Slash Solar Costs for Commercial & Manufacturing Facilities

Looking to cut energy costs, lock in long-term savings, and improve ESG performance?

Illinois commercial and manufacturing property owners now have access to powerful Distributed Generation (DG) rebates—upfront cash incentives that directly reduce the capital cost of qualified solar and battery storage installations.

At Innovate Energy Group (IEG), we specialize in helping businesses like yours unlock full value from utility rebates, tax credits, and state-level renewable energy programs. If your facility uses 50,000+ kWh annually, this is the year to go solar.

What Are Distributed Generation (DG) Rebates?

DG rebates are one-time incentive payments issued by Illinois utility providers to commercial customers who install on-site solar or battery storage systems equipped with smart inverters.

Unlike performance-based programs or long-term bill credits, these rebates are:

• Paid in a lump sum after interconnection

• Issued directly by the utility

• Applied per kilowatt (kW) of solar or kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage installed

The goal: offset upfront costs for energy-generating assets and help Illinois businesses remain competitive as grid policies evolve.

How Much Can You Save?

As of 2025, many IEG clients are earning:

• $250 to $300 per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity

• $250 to $300 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of installed battery storage

• Total rebates of $25,000 to $250,000+, depending on system size and rate class

These rebates apply to projects up to 5 MW-AC per site, making them ideal for facilities with high daytime loads—manufacturing plants, logistics centers, warehouses, and more.

Who’s Eligible?

If your facility is located in Illinois and meets the following criteria, you likely qualify:

• You're a commercial or industrial utility customer

• Your property has a suitable roof, land, or parking lot for solar

• You plan to install a smart inverter system (IEEE 1547-2018 compliant)

• Your system is ≤ 5 MW-AC and installed by a licensed EPC (like IEG)

• You complete interconnection approval and net-metering enrollment

• You pass final inspection and receive Permission to Operate (PTO)

(Bonus: Battery storage additions are optional but offer additional savings and grid resilience.)

Rebate Process: What to Expect

IEG manages the entire process from end to end. Here’s what a typical commercial project looks like:

Project Feasibility & ROI Modeling (Weeks 0–2)

We assess your site, utility tariff, and energy usage. You receive a custom proposal with all applicable incentives modeled in.

Design + Utility Interconnection Submission (Weeks 2–6)

Our engineers create the system design and submit your interconnection application to the utility.

Installation & Commissioning (Weeks 6–12)

Our in-house crews install the system with minimal disruption to your operations.

Inspection, PTO, and Net Metering (Weeks 12–14)

Your system is inspected and approved for grid connection.

Rebate Filing & Disbursement (Weeks 14–20)

We handle the paperwork; you receive a lump-sum rebate via check or utility bill credit.

Stack Your Incentives for Maximum ROI

DG rebates are just one part of a larger savings stack available to Illinois businesses in 2025. Here’s how a full incentive package might look:

When properly combined, many IEG commercial clients see:

• Payback in under 4 years

• Internal Rate of Return (IRR) >18%

• Lifetime savings of $500K–$2M+, depending on system size

Common Questions from Commercial Clients

Q: How do these rebates interact with the federal tax credit?

DG rebates are not taxable income and do not reduce your ITC basis. You can claim the full 30% federal credit on your project cost.

Q: What if we add battery storage later?

You may apply for a second rebate once the storage is installed and approved, as long as it meets interconnection and inverter requirements.

Q: Do we need to pre-pay for the system before the rebate?

Not necessarily. IEG offers financing options that incorporate your expected rebate, so you don’t need to front the entire capital cost.

Q: Is there a funding limit?

Yes. Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis under annual budgets. Projects that begin early in the year have the best chance of receiving full payout.

Q: How does IEG support rebate applications?

We manage 100% of the paperwork, submission, and follow-up. No red tape, no surprises—just verified savings.

Why Work with Innovate Energy Group?

We know that solar is a business decision. That’s why every IEG project is engineered around one goal: maximizing your return on investment. From compliance and interconnection to installation and performance monitoring, we handle every step—so you can focus on your business, not your energy bill.

Let’s Build Your Rebate-Optimized System

Whether you're planning a rooftop array, ground-mounted installation, or solar-covered parking for your facility, Innovate Energy Group is here to design a system that delivers results.

📞 Book a free project consultation at www.ieg.solutions Or call 704-702-2224 to speak with our commercial project team.